The Harare Villager: From street kids to suburban lighties

Saturday at the book fair started busily and we had a room full of youngsters at 11am. Today I really noted the diversity of the kids attending. We had a core group of street children (little tiny Grace for example, in the same clothes since Thursday and carrying around the prize she won on Friday in her hand). When we realised the situation we swapped the Irish fridge magnet she had gotten for winning a drawing competition for a shiny rubber ball. She loved it. A plastic bag went a long way to help her carry her stuff around.

Grace was very quiet but very determined. I have no idea what her life is like but for the 3 days of the book fair she was a child having fun with other children. Her comrades on the street were there, children of the book fair stall holders were there, children from the flats across the road were there, children from all across Harare, black, brown and white, were there. The book fair is important on a level we sometimes forget. It is a vital social tool.

Whilst the fair began to wind down round midday, the flyers Deirdre and I gave out over lunch saw the tent fill to the brim by 2pm for the last story telling session of the day. Today Wee Jimmy visited his granny again to find the little red house with no windows and a star inside...he also visited Loch Ness and had an adventure with a new friend...albeit a strange one!!! And the story of the giants causeway was beautifully told by Deirdre to a rapt and curious tent of children, parents and visitors from the Irish Mashonaland Society.

The day could not have gone smoothly with just Deirdre and myself telling stories. Thanks to Lindiwe and Memory from our library volunteer group for coming along, brining sweets and treats and organising the kids, keeping things in order and giving out the prizes at the end. I love our volunteers, people who give of their precious time always have a special place in my heart.

Here are some pictures captured on my phone.